BM / ESS seniors C’2026
On March 23rd, we departed from Wells to visit Tan Land, Ichitan Green Factory in Ayutthaya, followed by a visit to SK tes. This trip was designed for Gr.12 students who have been studying operations and human resource management in their 2nd year of Business Management (BM) studies, and for some, in conjunction with Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) studies. A few Chemistry students also joined the trip.
We began the day at Tan Land, Ichitan Green Factory. Ichitan is a Thai founded and multinational brand, recognized for manufacturing green tea drinks, herbal drinks, fruit drinks, and energy drinks. Tan Land is a dedicated and innovative educational facility built around the Ichitan drink factory. It is designed with state-of-the-art methods to expose students to modern and automated production processes.
During this time, students have been learning about the various aspects of capital-intensive and lean manufacturing. This trip exposed students to the reality of operating a business in an era of fast innovation and changes in human resource management. Moreover, it demonstrated how businesses are making an effort to meet the growing demand of being environmentally, socially and economically conscious – the triple pillars of sustainability.
In the afternoon, we visited SK tes Thailand. This visit gave students a different view of how B-2-B businesses operate. Compared to Ichitan, the processes here were more manual and less automated, which helped students see another side of operations management.
SK tes is a global company that works with businesses to manage their IT equipment when it is no longer needed. This includes items such as computers, servers, data centre equipment, and lithium-ion batteries (such as EV batteries). They handle the process from collection and transport, to data removal, and then decide what can be reused, resold, or taken apart. Equipment that is still usable can go back into use, while other parts are dismantled and processed so materials can be recovered through recycling.
This links clearly to what students are learning about circular business models. Instead of ending at disposal, the business continues to create value after use. The e-waste part of their work, which connects directly to this year’s IB BM exam, shows how companies manage used electronics in a controlled and responsible way, while also meeting data security and environmental requirements. Moreover, students made connections to supply chain management and various growth strategies through partnerships and strategic alliances.
The team at SK tes welcomed our students and hosted us in their boardroom. They shared an overview of their work and the process behind handling materials. Students were engaged, actively took notes, asked questions, and made clear connections to what they have been learning in class.
The combination of both visits helped students see different approaches to production and how businesses respond to changing demands and environmental responsibility.
Beyond real-life learning connections to BM and ESS, this trip was also an opportunity to mark the final stage of a 2-year journey of IBBM learning.
Best of luck Seniors of C’2026 in the upcoming IB examinations and your continuous learning journey in university and life
Ms. Lee, IB Business Management Teacher & Social Studies Department Head
Let’s hear what students have to say about their experience…
Link to full reflections can be accessed in our Trip Padlet: https://padlet.com/leef8/c-2026-ichitan-green-factory-sk-tes-e-waste-facility-tour-ladt0kwxbcee1fv3
Padlet QR Code:
